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Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when low iron levels reduce hemoglobin production, leading to fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott offers personalized diagnosis and effective treatment-diet changes, supplements, endoscopic procedures-to quickly restore healthy iron levels.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce adequate hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without enough hemoglobin, tissues and organs receive less oxygen, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and other related symptoms. This condition is commonly coded as ICD-10 D50.9.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Blood loss from heavy menstrual periods or gastrointestinal bleeding
Poor iron absorption due to celiac disease, atrophic gastritis, or other digestive disorders
Increased iron needs during pregnancy, infancy, or rapid childhood growth
Diets low in iron‐rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and leafy greens
High intake of refined sugars and processed foods displacing nutrient‐dense iron sources
Signs and Symptoms
Persistent fatigue, weakness, or lethargy
Shortness of breath during routine activities
Pale or sallow skin and pale nail beds
Cold hands and feet
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or headaches
Pica-unusual cravings for substances like ice, dirt, or starch
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your symptoms-fatigue, shortness of breath, epigastric discomfort-along with diet, menstrual history, alcohol use and any risk factors for GI bleeding.
Blood Tests
We obtain a complete blood count (CBC) to measure hemoglobin and hematocrit, serum ferritin and iron levels, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) to assess your body's iron stores and absorption.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to inspect the esophagus, stomach and duodenum for ulcers, gastritis or other bleeding sources causing pain and anemia.
Capsule endoscopy to visualize the small intestine if standard endoscopy is inconclusive.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
If bleeding persists or the source remains unclear, Dr. Scott may recommend colonoscopy, small-bowel enteroscopy or imaging studies such as CT enterography.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for iron deficiency anemia.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Increase intake of iron-rich foods: red meat, chicken, fish, beans, spinach, and iron-fortified grains
Pair meals with vitamin C sources-like oranges or bell peppers-to boost iron absorption
Avoid tea or coffee at mealtimes, which can inhibit iron uptake
2. Medications
Oral iron supplements (e.g., ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate) with dosing tailored to your needs
Intravenous iron therapy for those who cannot tolerate oral pills or require rapid repletion
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Upper endoscopy to identify and treat bleeding sources in the stomach or duodenum
Colonoscopy to evaluate the colon for occult or overt bleeding
Capsule endoscopy, using a tiny camera pill, to visualize and assess the small intestine
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for iron deficiency anemia?
The general code for unspecified iron deficiency anemia is D50.9.
Why does TIBC increase in iron deficiency?
Your liver produces more transferrin to capture available iron, which raises the total iron-binding capacity.
Can sugar cause iron deficiency?
Sugar itself doesn't cause anemia, but a high-sugar diet can crowd out iron-rich foods and contribute to low iron.
When should I get tested for iron levels?
Consider testing if you feel fatigued, look pale, have heavy periods, or notice any signs of internal bleeding.
What foods help raise iron levels?
Boost your intake of red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, leafy greens, and iron-fortified cereals and grains.
When should I see a GI specialist in Houston?
See Dr. Scott if you have persistent low iron, can't tolerate oral supplements, or show symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding.
